Stephen Mangan to play Arthur Conan Doyle

Stephen Mangan is set to lead the cast in 'Houdini and Doyle'.

The 47-year-old actor will be playing Sherlock creator Arthur Conan Doyle alongside American actor Michael Weston, who will portray escape artist Harry Houdini in the new ITV drama, described as a story of "real-life friends, real-life adversaries and real-life crime solvers".

Executive producer David Shore said: 'I've long been intrigued by both Houdini and Doyle, men who were ahead of their time, each fascinating in their own right. But the idea that these two, seemingly so different, could have been friends is almost too perfect.

"In Michael and Stephen, we have found two incredible actors that embody the intelligence, humour and mystique of these men, who even when viewed through the lens of history, are larger than life."

'Houdini and Doyle' will see the two famous creatives work together with New Scotland Yard on "some unsolved and inexplicable crimes".

An ITV spokesperson said: "'Houdini and Doyle' will draw heavily on the rich history of the period.

"At the turn of the 20th century the Metropolitan Police, mired in the ways of the 19th century, were overwhelmed with bizarre and often inexplicable cases so they turned to outsiders including Houdini and Doyle, who collaborated with New Scotland Yard on some unsolved and inexplicable crimes."